Changes in Physical Fitness of Hungarian College Students in the Last Fifteen Years

This study compared the physical fitness of Hungarian undergraduate students in 2011–2012 with the representative sample surveyed in 1997–1998. A total of 123 males and 309 females (mean age 21.19 ± 2.19 yrs) were randomly selected in two Hungarian universities (Pécs, Kaposvár). Anthropometric data (height, weight, skinfolds, body fat percentages) were measured and the subjects performed 9 tests of the Euroft Fitness Test Battery. The BMI, total body fat and performance in most of the fitness components (balance, agility/speed, flexibility, abdominal muscular strength, aerobic fitness of females) was higher in 1997–1998 (p < 0.05) whereas the handgrip strength and performance in Bent Arm Hanging test were significantly better in 2011–2012 (p < 0.001). These findings support interventions focusing on increasing regular physical activity among Hungarian youth.